Bought something a little less boring. F31 335d
Discussion
To replace this:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
IMG_0239-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on Flickr
IMG_0245-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on Flickr
I've only had it a couple of days. My first impression is that it's not slow.
The bodywork needs some attention. It has minor dents, swirl marks and some poor stone chip repairs that stand out.
And, of course, it needs some mechanical work that I didn't identify when I was looking at it. There's a clunk from the steering which is only noticeable waggling the steering wheel just off centre with the engine off. I had a look at this last night with my Dad and we think it's a track rod ball joint rather than the end joint. But this was a 9pm diagnosis with a torch so it might be something else.
I'm hoping it's not expensive.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
IMG_0239-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on FlickrIMG_0245-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on FlickrI've only had it a couple of days. My first impression is that it's not slow.
The bodywork needs some attention. It has minor dents, swirl marks and some poor stone chip repairs that stand out.
And, of course, it needs some mechanical work that I didn't identify when I was looking at it. There's a clunk from the steering which is only noticeable waggling the steering wheel just off centre with the engine off. I had a look at this last night with my Dad and we think it's a track rod ball joint rather than the end joint. But this was a 9pm diagnosis with a torch so it might be something else.
I'm hoping it's not expensive.
Edited by Zombie on Wednesday 2nd April 02:31
Zombie said:
To replace this:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
IMG_0239-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on Flickr
IMG_0245-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on Flickr
I've only had it a couple of days. My first impression is that it's not slow.
The bodywork needs some attention. It has minor dents, swirl marks and some poor stone chip repairs that stand out.
And, of course, it needs some mechanical work that I didn't identify when I was looking at it. There's a clunk from the steering which is only noticeable waggling the steering wheel just off centre with the engine off. I had a look at this last night with my Dad and we think it's a track rod ball joint rather than the end joint. But this was a 9pm diagnosis with a torch so it might be something else.
I'm hoping it's not expensive.
Great car https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
IMG_0239-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on FlickrIMG_0245-Enhanced-NR-2 by Chris, on FlickrI've only had it a couple of days. My first impression is that it's not slow.
The bodywork needs some attention. It has minor dents, swirl marks and some poor stone chip repairs that stand out.
And, of course, it needs some mechanical work that I didn't identify when I was looking at it. There's a clunk from the steering which is only noticeable waggling the steering wheel just off centre with the engine off. I had a look at this last night with my Dad and we think it's a track rod ball joint rather than the end joint. But this was a 9pm diagnosis with a torch so it might be something else.
I'm hoping it's not expensive.
Edited by Zombie on Wednesday 2nd April 02:31
The F31 platform is superb IMO; we love ours
Re suspension; I'd personally replace both track rod ends and inner CV joints (boots and clips too) for peace of mine; not expensive and it means you won't have any issues re tracking/alignment then either
But deffo check the rack for any play; if you see the cap on the rack has 3 small holes, that's the Thyssenkrupp rack and there's a kit from BMW to solve the play issues. If it has a 17mm nut on top, that's the ZF rack and you adjust it using that bolt
Very nice motor! The steering knock will almost certainly be the rack bushing, this is very very common on F3x and there is a repair kit available from BMW. Just be aware when fitting it that you will need to adjust how tight you set it to get the steering wheel feeling correct.
What mileage is on it? If 100k or more, it would be worth slipping a set of big end bearings into it at some stage, as 35ds are prone to failures and when they go they can catch and spin a main, so it’s much more cost effective to do them preventatively.
What mileage is on it? If 100k or more, it would be worth slipping a set of big end bearings into it at some stage, as 35ds are prone to failures and when they go they can catch and spin a main, so it’s much more cost effective to do them preventatively.
Very good cars!
I had one for a year or so and sorry to say, I found it a bit dull to drive. I was consolidating a couple of cars into a single family car (a golf R and a Clubman JCW) and it didn’t hit the spot. But by that stage I wasn’t doing much mileage in it as also had a VW Cali for long distance family trips. So hope you get lots of joy from it and use it as intended - a long distance missile!
I had one for a year or so and sorry to say, I found it a bit dull to drive. I was consolidating a couple of cars into a single family car (a golf R and a Clubman JCW) and it didn’t hit the spot. But by that stage I wasn’t doing much mileage in it as also had a VW Cali for long distance family trips. So hope you get lots of joy from it and use it as intended - a long distance missile!
Was just reading your E87 thread and away to comment when I saw you'd bought this, how you finding the F31 in comparison? I've got an E87 130i and this is probably what I'd move to next when it comes time to replace it. Look forward to seeing your progress, I've had similar issues to you with the E87.
Simondcd said:
Bought one of these myself a few months back. Came from an E91. Excellent car to be honest.
The steering clunk could be something to do with a steering rack repair kit that BMW sell, seems to be quite common when I've been looking through some posts.
The steering clunk could be something to do with a steering rack repair kit that BMW sell, seems to be quite common when I've been looking through some posts.
255SNK said:
Nice choice, I had one a couple of years back.
Track rod end was the cause of the noise I had which sounds identical to what you describe.
Easy fix + wheel alignment and all was well in 35d land.
Enjoy.
Doesn't sound too bad then. Thanks.Track rod end was the cause of the noise I had which sounds identical to what you describe.
Easy fix + wheel alignment and all was well in 35d land.
Enjoy.
JamesRR said:
Very nice motor! The steering knock will almost certainly be the rack bushing, this is very very common on F3x and there is a repair kit available from BMW. Just be aware when fitting it that you will need to adjust how tight you set it to get the steering wheel feeling correct.
What mileage is on it? If 100k or more, it would be worth slipping a set of big end bearings into it at some stage, as 35ds are prone to failures and when they go they can catch and spin a main, so it’s much more cost effective to do them preventatively.
Do you know if it's possible to change them with the engine stilll in the car? - We've changed the big end bearings on a few alfas like this, Obviously, you can't change the main bearings but the problem does appear to be the big ends as you say,What mileage is on it? If 100k or more, it would be worth slipping a set of big end bearings into it at some stage, as 35ds are prone to failures and when they go they can catch and spin a main, so it’s much more cost effective to do them preventatively.
oxnop said:
Very good cars!
I had one for a year or so and sorry to say, I found it a bit dull to drive. I was consolidating a couple of cars into a single family car (a golf R and a Clubman JCW) and it didn’t hit the spot. But by that stage I wasn’t doing much mileage in it as also had a VW Cali for long distance family trips. So hope you get lots of joy from it and use it as intended - a long distance missile!
I have a 147 GTA for the antisocial itch. And it is very antisocial - sets off car alarms loud. I had one for a year or so and sorry to say, I found it a bit dull to drive. I was consolidating a couple of cars into a single family car (a golf R and a Clubman JCW) and it didn’t hit the spot. But by that stage I wasn’t doing much mileage in it as also had a VW Cali for long distance family trips. So hope you get lots of joy from it and use it as intended - a long distance missile!
Sko77y said:
Was just reading your E87 thread and away to comment when I saw you'd bought this, how you finding the F31 in comparison? I've got an E87 130i and this is probably what I'd move to next when it comes time to replace it. Look forward to seeing your progress, I've had similar issues to you with the E87.
Totally different car. I don't like it has a sim car built into it (big brother) but every car has this now. There's no way of avoiding the black box. I imagine a 130i is very different in some ways, but I didn't find the 120 as anything other than competent. And too small. Getting in and out of it was driving me up the wall. Literally painful. A 3 door would have been easier but I wanted something newer. Zombie said:
Do you know if it's possible to change them with the engine stilll in the car? - We've changed the big end bearings on a few alfas like this, Obviously, you can't change the main bearings but the problem does appear to be the big ends as you say,
Unfortunately not, subframe is in the way, particularly with it being xDrive. They’re really not the worst thing to take the engine out of however, just a bit more involved than a RWD one. JamesRR said:
Very nice motor! The steering knock will almost certainly be the rack bushing, this is very very common on F3x and there is a repair kit available from BMW. Just be aware when fitting it that you will need to adjust how tight you set it to get the steering wheel feeling correct.
Sort of reminds me of adjusting the steering box on my E34 - don't do it too tight or it won't self centre! 
Very nice OP. I bought an F31 330d back in January and it's great.
I posted it on here and someone posted to tell me how to ensure it's long life.
Buy and fit the upgrade chain tensioner
Fit the Thyssenthrup steering kit (sounds like yours needs it)
Run 5W40 LL04 oil and replace regularly
I posted it on here and someone posted to tell me how to ensure it's long life.
Buy and fit the upgrade chain tensioner
Fit the Thyssenthrup steering kit (sounds like yours needs it)
Run 5W40 LL04 oil and replace regularly
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